Bauchi Governor Linked to $9.7m Terrorism Financing by the FG
Abuja, Nigeria – January 01, 2026
The Federal Government has linked the Bauchi State Governor to an allegation of a $9.7 million terrorism financing scheme, sparking fresh political and security debates across the world.
According to a report by Daily Trust, a senior government source familiar with the investigation, informs that the allegation forms part of a broader probe into the funding networks sustaining terrorist activities in Nigeria.
The sources disclosed that financial intelligence reports traced suspicious transactions amounting to $9.7m to entities connected to the Bauchi State Government.
A security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the funds were allegedly moved through intermediaries and shell accounts believed to be associated with terror-linked groups operating in the region.
“The transactions raised red flags within the financial intelligence system. Investigators are examining the origin, movement and final recipients of the funds,” the source said.
The Federal Government, through officials involved in counterterrorism operations, stated that the investigation was being handled by relevant security and anti-graft agencies, including financial intelligence units, and would follow due process.
Reacting to the allegation, the Bauchi State Government claims the allegations as false, politically motivated and malicious, insisting that the governor has no links whatsoever to terrorism financing.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, the state government claims the allegation is an attempt to tarnish the image of the governor, Senator Bala A. Mohammed and destabilise Bauchi State.
“The Bauchi State Government categorically denies any involvement of the governor or the state in terrorism financing. These allegations are baseless and designed to distract from the governor’s developmental achievements,” the statement read.
The spokesperson claims that the governor has consistently supported security agencies in combating terrorism and banditry and has invested heavily in peace-building initiatives across the state.
The allegation has also revived public scrutiny of Governor Bala A. Mohammed’s past comments on the activities of armed herders.
In 2021, the Bauchi governor drew national criticism after defending armed Fulani Herders Terrorists, arguing that they bear AK-47 assault rifles because their cattle had previously been stolen.
At the time, Mohammed was also quoted as saying that “no one owns the forests in Nigeria,” a statement widely interpreted as justifying the unrestricted movement and settlement of herders across the country.
His remarks came amid public outrage over repeated attacks on especially Christian farming communities, including reports of killings, rape and destruction of farmlands.
Critics questioned his position, particularly as the Federal Government maintained restrictions on civilian access to firearms for self-defence, while armed herders continued to operate with military-grade weapons.
Meanwhile, legal and security analysts have urged caution, stressing that allegations of terrorism financing are grave and must be backed by credible evidence.
“This is not an issue for media trials. The government must allow investigators to conclude their work and make their findings public,” said a security expert.
The development comes amid heightened national concern over terrorism financing, following renewed international pressure on Nigeria to strengthen financial oversight and disrupt funding channels for Fulani terrorist groups.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism at all levels, noting that no individual, regardless of political status, would be shielded if found culpable.
